P.A.T.H.S. Post Abortion Trauma Healing Service
PO Box 1667, Christchurch 8040
P. 03 379 7710 F. 03 980 4589
 
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Contact P.A.T.H.S.
Welcome & Introduction
About P.A.T.H.S. / P.A.T.H.S. Events
Possible Complications Of Abortion
Reasons For / Risks Of Abortion
Male Attitudes & Men and Abortion
Steps of Recovery & Healing
Stories & Reflections
P.A.T.H.S. Newsletter Excerpts
Resources & Links
    About P.A.T.H.S. / Events / What's New
 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON/CO-ORDINATOR

Dear Friends

We are halfway through the year! As always it has been full and interesting for us.

You will see from the Highlights from the Annual Report that things are indeed growing. And “Looking Ahead” there are a number of events coming up for which you will find notice in this newsletter.

The Remembrance Service in March was beautiful, and thanks again go to our wonderful team of leaders, singers and musicians, and special thanks to Heather for organising this Service.

The establishing of the Cherish Network is very exciting and gives opportunity for us to join with other support groups to share experiences and resources in our sphere. This feels like a breakthrough in having abortion loss acknowledged as a valid loss for women, men and families.

I would like to thank Vicki Culling for her approach and for those at the meeting for their openness and responsiveness to me and my sharing about P.A.T.H.S. and our work. I was humbled and moved by every person there who shared about their group for there was a sense of understanding in the room of the reality of what pregnancy, baby and infant losses are like and can mean for people and their lives. It is good to have somewhere to be able to speak about these things, as often ‘out there’ there is little recognition or allowance for the grief and change that comes from these deep and personal experiences. It is wonderful to see so many genuine caring people willing to support others.

The After Abortion Forum is a first for us and a first for Christchurch. The idea came from some sharing at a recent Post-Abortion Seminar in Gisborne and we thought it might be worth a try. One of our problems has been how to challenge the taboo around talking about abortion and post-abortion experiences and how to make it okay for people to come forward for help. Raising awareness is key, but also providing a safe place to share and for people to realise they are not alone, is necessary. We hoped the Remembrance Services might do that, but they do not appear to be enough or to attract the interest. How do we reach and support people who may be wondering if the problems they are now experiencing and the emotions they may be having may be connected to a recent or past abortion?

Interest can only be generated if enough people care and are willing to go out of their way to help. If you know anyone who has had an abortion a personal invitation and offer to accompany them to one or other P.A.T.H.S. event could be good.

If you know anyone who is involved in the health or counselling areas then it would be great if you could support our efforts by mentioning the upcoming events to them suggesting this is an issue that we need to have more understanding about in order to respond to the needs of those who may be hurting or experiencing difficulties after an abortion.

You could also help by placing flyers on noticeboards in your area, or placing notices in your church or community newsletters.

We thank you sincerely for your support without which we can do nothing.

Warm peace and blessings to you and yours

Carolina Gnad


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ABOUT THE POST-ABORTION TRAUMA HEALING SERVICE

· Healing facilitation - we provide trained, empathetic, non-judgemental counselling-support for women and men who have lost a child through abortion, either recent or in the past, offering facilitation through a proven 10 Step Programme, based on Biblical values and principles. The programme used is the Post Abortion Syndrome Recovery Programme, entitled "My Abortion Guilt Grief and Shame is Ending Soon" developed by Victims of Choice in the USA and is suited to both those of a Christian faith or philosophy and those not.

· Facilitation training - we offer training in post-abortion recovery to counsellors, therapists, social workers, clergy and chaplains, doctors, pastoral care people.... 

· Newsletter & resources - we produce a biannual newsletter and have some post-abortion resources available, which are available on request. Much of the information on this site is available in our (draft) booklet "The After Effects of Abortion - Including Post Abortion Stress", which is available for $NZ5.00 plus postage and handling. Please contact us if you would like to be placed on our mailing list or would like a copy / copies of our booklet.

· Education and outreach - one of our main aims is to educate people about the reality of post-abortion stress. We offer “Hope for the Hurting” presentations, which present and explore the possible physical. pschological and spiritual effects of abortion. As well as providing information to professional health and allied-health groups, or community groups and churches, these presentations serve as an opportunity for those adversely affected by abortion to avail themselves of help.

· Remembrance-Healing services - we assist churches or groups willing to host these services and have developed a sensitive uplifting combined remembrance-healing service for all those who have experienced pregnancy loss, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour for foetal abnormality or abortion. (See P.A.T.H.S. Events section below for date of next remembrance-healing service).

· Support groups - we support the initiative of support groups in the community e.g. PASSAGE run by the Spreydon Baptist Church in Christchurch, and will develop our own within P.A.T.H.S. if the need arises. We would also like to see support groups for men directly or indirectly affected by abortion. Attempts so far to set up a MABA (Men Affected by Abortion) Group have not met with success for want of a male facilitator willing to be trained in post-abortion issues for men, and participants. In other countries men who have lost children through abortion and those living with a post-aborted woman are beginning to share their experiences in counselling and support settings and we believe it could be worthwhile here too.

· FRIENDS of P.A.T.H.S. - when people make a donation (of $10 or more) in support of our work they automatically join F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of P.A.T.H.S. and receive our biannual newsletter and notices about any of our special activities. Occasionally some of our FRIENDS may volunteer to assist at gatherings, particularly in welcoming and hospitality roles.

· Prayer Network - we have a network of groups who pray for the needs of the organisation, and a network of individual prayer partners who pray for people going through the recovery programme. Due to the nature and depth of the healing work this kind of spiritual cover is invaluable. Clients, even non-Christian clients appreciate being supported and uplifted spiritually in this way.

· Networking with other agencies or groups - we network with individuals and groups who are involved in the post-abortion and related fields of research or ministry both in New Zealand and overseas. Issues facing post-aborted women and men are universal.

· Longer Term Goals

  • Publication of information booklet and distribution to education and health facilities
  • Training of facilitators/counsellors in all the main centers
  • National Conference
  • Memorial site in cemetery or park
  • MABA (Men Affected by Abortion) Group

· Charitable Trust - The P.A.T.H.S. Charitable Trust was constituted in December 1997, in Christchurch, New Zealand. P.A.T.H.S. is TOTALLY reliant on DONATIONS / GRANTS. Concern over financial viability remains an issue. We have been fortunate to date to receive a few significant grants from a private trust and various donations from individuals and groups supportive of our work, without which we would not exist or be able to provide a service.  If you would like to make a contribution small or large please send a cheque or money order to our postal address or if preferred an regular automatic payment can be arranged.

· P.A.T.H.S. Team - We are interested in hearing from people who may wish to become involved in some way.


It makes a difference
As the old man walked the beach at dawn,
he noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea.
Catching up with the youth, he asked him why he was doing this.
The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left until the morning sun.
But the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish countered the other.
How can your effort make any difference?
The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and threw it to the safety of the waves.
It makes a difference to this one, he said.


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Part-time Promotions & Community Liaison Person

We are looking for an outgoing, suitably skilled person to help with administration and promoting P.A.T.H.s. in the community

Key Tasks:

- Help plan and implement promotion strategies
- Networking with health sector & community groups
- Collect & help with correspondence
- Check phone messages
- Newsletter mailout

You need to have good people skills, your own computer and transport, ability to work independently from home and as part of a team. This is a contract position $20 per hour for 5-6 hours per week initially. Work hours flexible.

For more information contact Carolina 980 4589 or email carolina@postabortionpaths.org.nz

Come make a difference!


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P.A.T.H.S. Events

We would like to hear from churches who might wish to host a  remembrance service or community groups in Christchurch or other centers, who might be interested in our coming to speak about post-abortion stress and healing, or people who are interested in a training weekend on post-abortion recovery. 


EVENTS TO BE HELD IN 2008

Wednesday 3 September at 7.30 pm
AFTER ABORTION FORUM, CHRISTCHURCH

Many women and men are shamed into silence following an abortion. The shame is that we don’t talk about it.

The loss and trauma of abortion is under-recognised. Abortion loss is neither socially recognised or supported. The trauma associated with an abortion may sink into the unconscious only to surface months, years or even decades later.

This forum is for you if you have been impacted by abortion, or are interested in issues of abortion loss and trauma. The After Abortion Forum is a space to share stories and explore abortion and post-abortion experiences.

Venue: Campbell Centre, 44 Bealey Ave, Christchurch

This is the first forum of this kind in Christchurch. It will be facilitated by Joan Blatchford with the team from P.A.T.H.S. For more details email carolina@postabortionpaths.org.nz


Friday September 19 - Saturday September 20
POST ABORTION SEMINAR, CHRISTCHURCH

Abortion trauma is not well recognized. Many post-aborted women, and men, suffer in silence, with the stigma, pain and shame of what was supposed to be a benign procedure. Their stories need to be heard. The healing journey after an abortion is unique to the individual but there are key issues that need to be understood and worked through. This seminar offers insights into post-abortion issues and offers steps for a recovery process to equip you to accompany someone on their journey to wholeness after abortion

This seminar is suitable for counsellors, social workers, pastors and ministers and pastoral care teams, nurses, doctors... and anyone interested in postabortion issues and healing.

Venue: Petersgate Counselling Centre, 29 Yaldhurst Rd, Christchurch


Tuesday 21 October at 7.30pm
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE, CHRISTCHURCH

A peaceful prayerful gathering for women and families who’ve experienced any form or Pregnancy or Abortion Loss

Have you yourself or do you know someone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, induced labour, neo-natal death or abortion?
This service is a specially focused quiet and uplifting time for mothers and families to remember your little one who died. Bring a friend or support person and invite others to come too.


An opportunity to remember and name little ones who died too early....

Venue: Linwood Baptist Church, Cnr Worcester St and Linwood Ave, Christchurch

For more details email carolina@postabortionpaths.org.nz


EVENTS ALREADY HELD IN 2008

Saturday March 15 at 7pm
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE, CHRISTCHURCH


A peaceful prayerful gathering for women and families who’ve experienced any form or Pregnancy or Abortion Loss

Venue: La Vida Centre, North West New Life Church
34A Hansons Lane, Riccarton, Christchurch


EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2007

Friday November 2 - Saturday November 3
POST ABORTION SEMINAR, CHRISTCHURCH

Abortion trauma is not well recognized. Many post-aborted women, and men, suffer in silence, with the stigma, pain and shame of what was supposed to be a benign procedure. Their stories need to be heard. The healing journey after an abortion is unique to the individual but there are key issues that need to be understood and worked through. This seminar offers insights into post-abortion issues and offers steps for a recovery process to equip you to accompany someone on their journey to wholeness after abortion.

This seminar is suitable for counsellors, social workers, pastors and ministers and pastoral care teams, nurses, doctors... and anyone interested in postabortion issues and healing.

Venue: Cashmere New Life Church, 30 Colombo Street (hills end), Christchurch

Tuesday FEBRUARY 13th - Remembrance Service :  
A peaceful prayerful gathering, a special time to “remember” little ones who died through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour or abortion.....
Tuesday 13 February: 7.30pm
Venue: Linwood Baptist Church, corner of Worcester Street and Linwood Avenue, Christchurch

Friday FEBRUARY 9th - Radio Broadcast :  
We invite you and your friends to hear a programme we have prepared for the radio. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share about P.A.T.H.S. and what we offer.
Radio Station: Plains FM96.9


EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2006

19 SEPTEMBER - P.A.T.H.S. GATHERING - CHRISTCHURCH
We are overdue for a get together of all who are part of & support the work of P.A.T.H.S. and those who would like to meet us & share the VISION.
This will be an informal affair - we will talk about what’s been happening and the growing VISION for P.A.T.H.S. and we will share some light refreshments.
Tuesday 19 September: 8.00pm start
Venue: Avebury House, Evelyn Cousins Ave, Christchurch.

9-10 SEPTEMBER - Post Abortion Seminar - CHRISTCHURCH :
Abortion trauma is not well recognized. Many post-aborted women, and men, suffer in silence, with the stigma, pain and shame of what was supposed to be a benign procedure. Their stories need to be heard. The healing journey after an abortion is unique to the individual but there are key issues that need to be understood and worked through. This seminar offers insights into post-abortion issues and offers steps for a recovery process to equip you to accompany someone on their journey to wholeness after abortion.

This seminar is suitable for counsellors, social workers, pastors and ministers and pastoral care teams, nurses, doctors... and anyone interested in postabortion issues and healing.

Venue: Avebury House, Evelyn Cousins Ave, Christchurch.

19-20 AUGUST - Post Abortion Seminar - WELLINGTON :
Training for medical and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Saturday 19 August: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Sunday 20 August: 9.30am - 5.00pm

Tuesday FEBRUARY 28th - Remembrance Service :  
A peaceful prayerful gathering, a special time to “remember” little ones who died through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour or abortion.....
Tuesday 28 February: 7.30pm
Venue: Linwood Baptist Church, corner of Worcester Street and Linwood Avenue, Christchurch


EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2005

30 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER - Post Abortion Seminar - AUCKLAND :
Training for medical and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Friday 30 September: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Saturday 1 October: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Venue: Ferndale House, New North Road, Mt Albert.

17-18 JUNE - Post Abortion Seminar - CHRISTCHURCH :
Training for medical and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Friday 17 June: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Saturday 18th June: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Venue: Campbell Centre (Presbyterian Support Services) 46 Bealey Ave, Christchurch.

Tuesday JULY 5th - Remembrance Service :  
A peaceful prayerful gathering, a special time to “remember” little ones who died through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour or abortion.....
Tuesday 5 July: 7.30pm
Venue: Papanui Baptist Church, 144 Sawyers Arms Road, Christchurch


EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2004

29-30 OCTOBER - Post Abortion Seminar - NELSON :  
Training for medical and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.

Monday OCTOBER 4th - Remembrance Service :  
A gathering for those who have experienced any form of pregnancy loss, including abortion.

Friday MARCH 2nd - Enterprise Meeting :  
This will be a gathering of those involved and with an interest in P.A.T.H.S. to determine support and discern the future of P.A.T.H.S.
For more details or expressions of interest contact Carolina (03) 379 7710 

TRAINING & REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

We are hoping to organise both a training event and a remembrance service this year. Watch this space!


EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2003

MAY 2003:
 
Friday 3rd May, 7.00 - 9.00pm "Hope for the Hurting"
A presentation on the possible physical, psychological and spiritual effects of abortion.
Saturday 4th May, 9.00am - 5.00pm "Ten Steps for Post-Abortion Recovery"
A proven programme to help uncover giref and address personal post-abortion related issues.


MARCH 2003:  
Sunday 31 March, 7.30pm Remembrance-Healing Service 
A prayerful uplifting time for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour for foetal abnormality and abortion. A time to remember and name babies who have died.
Venue: St Ambrose Church, 309 Breezes Road, Bexley, Christchurch 

EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2002

NOVEMBER 2002
Wednesday 13th November, Catholic Women's League, Hoon Hay
Gave a talk at this group of local church women about the possible effects of abortion, the steps of recovery and services available.

SEPTEMBER 2002: 
Thursday 26th - Sunday 29th, Family Life International Conference,

We spoke about counselling the post-abortive woman on the Friday at the Family Life International Conference.  For a taped copy of the talk please contact Colleen Bayer, Director, Family Life International, PO Box 56423, Auckland 1030, New Zealand, Phone (09) 638 8101

JULY 2002: 
Monday 1st,  NZAC Canterbury Forum

7.45pm, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church (cnr Oxford Terrace and Madras Streets)
A "Hope for the Hurting" for counsellors - information and discussion on the possible physical, psychological and spiritual effects of abortion.
Friday 19th,  NZAC Canterbury $10 Day

9.00am - 5.00pm, Venue to be confirmed depending on numbers.
A seminar on post-abortion recovery for counsellors, following on from the Forum. Covers the 10 Step Post-Abortion Syndrome Recovery Programme that P.A.T.H.S. uses.

JUNE 2002: 
Thursday 20th, Annual General Meeting

7.30pm, 148A Lichfield Street, Christchurch.

MARCH 2002:
SOUTHLAND TOUR

We visited Invercargill. The tour included a presentation to the Southland Medical Foundation, Invercargill, training of a few facilitators in the post-abortion recovery programme and a "Hope for the Hurting" at the Cornerstone New Life Church.

We would like to hear from churches or community groups in Christchurch or other centers, who might be interested in our coming to speak about post-abortion stress and healing, or people who are interested in a training weekend on post-abortion recovery.
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Welcome & Introduction | About P.A.T.H.S. / Events / What's New | Complications | Reasons & Risks | Men & Abortion | Steps of Recovery & Healing | Stories | Newsletter Excerpts | Resources & Links | Contact P.A.T.H.S.
© Copyright P.A.T.H.S. NZ - April 2002